Sachin & Babi

Last season was a departure of sorts for Sachin + Babi. Instead of emphasizing intricate embroideries, which have been the label's forte from the beginning, Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia focused on high-tech materials that felt commercially on-trend but somehow inconsistent with the contemporary brand's DNA. The new Resort collection successfully fused the Ahluwalias' signature embellishments with the sportier elements introduced on the Fall runway. A neoprene cocktail number featured a strip of reversible iridescent sequins peeking out at the hemline, for example, while leather biker jackets were tricked out with ornate appliqué details. The husband-and-wife design duo played around with lines and stripes in a variety of ways, pairing a boxy Breton-stripe top (embroidered with a fun elephant) with high-waisted tuxedo-stripe trousers cut from a soft, nubby terry cloth. Other highlights here included fun and flirty paneled dresses with floating seams that curved around the body and a dramatic organza ball skirt that looked fresh with a T-shirt.